Phenibut, referred to in Men’s Health magazine as the “Happy Drug,” is used as a treatment for disorders affecting our mood and overall sense of well-being. It has gained recognition as a palliative for alcohol withdrawal and as a nootropic for enhancing memory and cognitive functions. It’s also utilized as a palliative for alcohol withdrawal and as a nootropic to enhance memory and other cognitive functions, among other issues. In larger doses, taking phenibut for sleep has been shown to help people with insomnia get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. In this article, I am going to focus on some Phenibut basics, and Phenibut capsules info. If you’d like more detailed information about Phenibut, its pros and cons, and its potential side effects, please see this article instead.
Phenibut basics
Phenibut is a non-prescription supplement, originally developed by the Soviet Union and used by Russian cosmonauts to help them stay calm and improve their cognitive function in stressful situations. Still prescribed in Russia as a treatment for neurological and psychiatric disorders, phenibut capsules are sold in a variety of locations in the United States. Phenibut is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). But whereas GABA is naturally produced by the body, manufacturers add a phenyl ring to produce phenibut, which is used as both a recreational and medicinal drug.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that the psychopharmacological effects of phenibut are “similar to that of baclofen,” a medication used to treat muscle spasms. Because of its extra phenyl ring, phenibut (unlike GABA, its naturally produced analog) passes easily through the blood-brain barrier, where it binds with dopamine receptors and the GABA-B receptor. Importantly, because it passes through the blood-brain barrier, some of its effects (and side effects) are different than those of GABA.
Phenibut has a broad range of uses that fall into several categories.
As an anxiety reducer, phenibut has been used to treat both stress and anxiety disorders. These range from mild social anxiety to severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. When individuals take phenibut for anxiety, it promotes restful sleep in those suffering from insomnia.
Due to its similarity to baclofen, a medicine for muscle spasms, phenibut finds use in treating vestibular disorders. These disorders include problems with balance, such as vertigo.
Side effects, withdrawal symptoms and addiction
Phenibut has some side effects and potential withdrawal symptoms, like any other over-the-counter or prescription substance on the market. Potential negative side effects include nausea, fatigue and possible stomach cramps. If taken for too long at too strong a dose, it is possible to become addicted to phenibut. If that should happen, withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, anxiety or feelings of nervousness, and loss of appetite.
Side effects and withdrawal symptoms potentially last up to two weeks. The duration of phenibut use influences the potential length and severity of negative side effects or withdrawal symptoms. This duration of use can influence the intensity of such effects. You possibly experience less chance of negative side effects once you build up a tolerance to phenibut, just as you develop a tolerance to other substances.
For people who abuse alcohol, there is a greater potential for phenibut addiction or dependence, as well as other issues. Researchers reported on one case where a binge-drinking 21-year-old was in the habit of mixing phenibut powder into his alcoholic drinks. When he presented at a local hospital emergency department, medical staff observed him experiencing hallucinations and overwhelming anxiety. The hospital discharged him after five days of treatment that included a baclofen taper. The man reportedly no longer mixes phenibut and alcohol.
While mixing powder in drinks is a great way to avoid phenibut’s acrid taste, let this be a cautionary tale not to mix it in your alcoholic drinks! Phenibut should never be mixed with another anti-depression medication. Doing so puts you at risk for respiratory depression, unconsciousness or even death. Do not mix it with benzodiazepines such as Xanax.
Phenibut capsules vs powder
You can get Phenibut in powder and capsules. Both the capsules and powder forms of the supplement have a large following on social media sites such as reddit and Facebook.
Find the capsules in both the standard gelatin type and in vegan form. The standard dose for phenibut is 250 to 500 milligrams (mgs), taken one to three times daily and no more than two days a week.
When you take the standard dosage, you typically feel the effects for five to six hours. If you take a higher dose of 500 to 750 mgs, you still get the mood lift and calming effects of the lower dose, along with possible feelings of increased sociability and healthier sleep. The pills typically come in bottles of 60 to 70 capsules. Some online sites sell larger quantities of 90 to 120 capsules per bottle.
Choosing phenibut powder or capsules is a personal preference. Both have pros and cons – see below.
Phenibut powder comes in jars that range between 5 and 250 grams. Taking the supplement as a powder allows a person to feel the effects faster. It also enables them to measure out a more precise dose compared to capsules.
Some phenibut users find that the cost of the powder is overall less expensive than the capsules.
Capsule pros
- Enters the bloodstream over a longer period of time, which is potentially better for treating anxiety and stress
- No bad taste or bitter aftertaste
- Capsules come in a variety of dosage and package sizes
- Enjoy the benefits of phenibut discreetly, whether at home, work or on the go
Capsule cons
- Capsules take longer to kick in, meaning you wait for 45-60 minutes before you feel the benefits of the supplement
- You cannot customize your dose when using capsule rather than powder form
- Sometimes more expensive than phenibut powder
Powder pros
- Phenibut powder is freely soluble with water
- Mix the powder in a favorite (non-alcoholic) beverage or put it in your own empty capsules
- Get the supplement directly into your mouth
- Powder users benefit from a faster high
Powder cons
- Some people dislike the taste of phenibut powder
- Difficult to take discreetly
- Chance of losing some product if not careful when measuring
Whether you choose phenibut powder or capsules, you have the opportunity to reap the benefits. You can experience potential euphoric feelings attributed to a “phenibut high”, and feel more energetic.
What do you like better – powder or capsules, and why? Lmk in the comments.
Also read our blog on Best Nootropic Herbs
